Detailed Overview

In accordance with Fraser Health's Vision, Mission and Values, Mental Health & Substance Use program mandates and clinical practice guidelines, and with an emphasis on rehabilitation and recovery and reducing barriers to re-enter the system of care, supports individuals and families with and affected by acute / episodic mental illness and substance use disorders by coordinating the day-to day operation of the mental health & substance use team, enabling care coordination within the local service area and across the care continuum including substance use services, mental health services, regional and provincial services. Facilitates consistent, relevant and timely treatment on-demand, rapid re-engagement, and access to information and outreach services where appropriate and feasible to assess and / or engage with clients within their own environment and community. Provides leadership to contracted service providers and interdisciplinary teams in the development, delivery, and evaluation of service delivery to enable effective utilization of client resources. Establishes strong working relationships with other health care providers and community partners. Ensures that operations and service planning align with establishing a dignifying, purposeful and trusting relationship with clients, promoting self-determination and independence; encourages knowledge exchange in day-to day activities, and empowers clients and natural supports to connect and engage within their communities. Ensures that individuals with lived experience and their family members are supported in navigating the health care system. Responsibilities Coordinates the day-to-day activities to ensure optimal use of resources and efficient use of clinical staff by methods such as establishing client priorities, assigning and adjusting work assignments, ensuring that necessary resources are available, promoting a positive team environment, and ensuring that staff have access to critical incident debriefing. Supervises designated clinical staff by participating in performance evaluation, assisting in planning staff training, development and orientation requirements, and developing, organizing and implementing in-services and education programs for staff in collaboration with the Manager. Participates in the recruitment of new clinical staff by acting as an interview panel member, developing interview questions, and making recommendations to the Manager regarding hiring decisions. Conducts client file reviews by reviewing clinical records ensuring that they are complete and clinically sound. Provides a linkage between community mental health and substance use programs, the acute care hospitals, and community residential facilities by performing duties such as leading and participating in intake meetings, client reviews, discharge planning rounds, case conferences to review cases that may require follow-up and meeting with the Mental Health & Substance Use Clinicians to discuss new referrals or those currently on caseload. Assists staff in resolving complex clinical issues by providing clinical consultation, role modeling, instruction, and coaching with problem solving. Oversees the development of joint care plans by methods such as providing reminders to staff and reviewing and monitoring care plans to ensure proper completion. Participates with patients, families, community supports, interdisciplinary treatment teams and facility care providers to coordinate services, manage cases and facilitate meetings. Oversees and maintains referral log and waitlist system by recording referrals and waitlist decisions by team. Contacts referring parties periodically to obtain referral updates and records same. Educates and provides consultation to clients, families, healthcare professionals, and facility staff based on identified learning needs on issues related to high risk factors, recovery and current community practice relevant to serious and persistent mental illness and substance use. Maintains client records by methods such as documenting client assessments, charting client information via PARIS and / or other clinical information systems, preparing progress notes and reports in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures to meet regulatory requirements and documenting for future reference and ensuring that access to and disclosure of information and records are in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. Maintains a variety of records such as program activities, workload statistics, and monthly reports by methods such as recording information into approved formats, collating data, analyzing trends, accounting for variances, preparing reports as required, and making recommendations to the Manager. Ensures staff compliance with statistical documentation regarding client information systems by reviewing data information and providing reminders to staff. Provides leadership, in conjunction with the Manager, the Medical Director and the team, in setting the clinical direction for the program by methods such as determining short and long term goals and objectives for the program. Provides input to the Manager with regards to the optimal use of budgetary resources by methods such as providing input as requested and making recommendations. Initiates, develops, and carries out research activities and program planning and development relevant to the needs of the client, families, community and facilities in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. Follows through with research methodology. Disseminates research findings and ensures clinical practices and protocols are consistent with research and evidence-based practice in the field of Mental Health and Substance Use. Develops and implements quality improvement processes by methods such as engaging in programs / practice evaluation, identifying opportunities for change, assessing available resources, initiating solutions, analyzing outcomes and identifying areas for improved efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery to enhance patient care services and reduce gaps in the community. Participates in quality assurance audits, facility reviews and facility or staff investigations as required. Assists in resolving client and family complaints by discussing issues with those involved for the purpose of determining an appropriate resolution. Participates in risk management for the clinical area by methods such as conducting safety audits, investigating and reviewing related reports and taking corrective action. Reviews Serious Incident Reports, files and advises Manager of any that should be brought to his / her attention. Recommends changes to selected policies, procedures and protocols and provides feedback to the Manager. Participates as a member of local and regional committees and planning bodies by methods such as attending meetings, providing input, facilitating resolution of issues, and advocating the goals and objectives of the program, as delegated by the Manager. Maintains broad development in Mental Health and Substance Use by methods such as reviewing literature in the assigned clinical specialty area, consulting with clinical and community experts within the filed, evaluating practice and participating in professional development activities in order to improve care through new practices. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Master's Degree in Social Work, Clinical Counseling or other relevant health related discipline. Four years recent related experience, including two years of staff supervisory experience, as well as clinical experience in individual, family and group modalities of practice in mental health / psychiatry in community and / or hospital settings, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Eligible for registration with relevant professional association. Valid B.C. Driver's license and access to personal vehicle for work related purposes. Skills and Abilities Demonstrated ability to design, implement, revise and participate in the evaluation of programs. Demonstrated ability to provide effective clinical supervision and leadership to staff within an interdisciplinary team setting. Comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices and theories of social work, clinical counseling or other health related discipline. Demonstrated ability to teach and facilitate learning of staff and / or clients and families. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in continuously changing environment. Comprehensive practice knowledge and skills in individual, family, and group counseling. Working knowledge of emergency triage procedures, mental health status assessments, counseling principles and interview techniques. Working knowledge of psychopharmacology, community resources, crisis theory and de-escalation techniques. Working knowledge of DSM V Multiaxial Diagnosis or International Classification of Diseases 10. Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as cooperatively and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in English. Problem solving, decision making skills, ability to exercise sound judgment and effectively deal with conflict situations. Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment. Physical ability to perform duties of the position.